Lawrence University has named James M. Downer as its new Assistant Vice President for Athletics, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience in intercollegiate athletics to the university.
“With his record of success in athletics administration, James will be a valuable addition to Lawrence’s leadership team,” said Lawrence University President Laurie A. Carter. “His passion for the liberal arts and commitment to preparing student-athletes to thrive both in their sports and in the classroom will continue to strengthen our flourishing athletics program.”
Downer most recently served as director of athletics at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania, where he provided executive leadership for a Division I athletic department that included 25 varsity programs, approximately 600 student-athletes, and more than 80 full-time staff.
In that role, Downer strengthened external partnerships and advanced efforts to support the student-athlete experience. During his tenure, the athletics program captured 10 Northeast Conference championships, had 11 NEC Coach of the Year recipients, and was twice recognized with awards for student-athlete academic achievement. Downer also led strategic initiatives that improved operations, strengthened donor engagement, and expanded fundraising efforts.
“James brings a breadth and depth of experience that will benefit our Athletics program as we continue to move this department forward,” said Chris Clarke, vice president for student life. “Lawrence University has seen phenomenal growth in our Athletics program under President Carter’s tenure and James will be an outstanding addition to lead our staff and student-athletes to build on this foundation and make an impact on the Division III landscape. His leadership style, passion for collegiate athletics and comprehensive perspective will be crucial characteristics that will benefit our entire community.”
Downer previously served as senior associate athletic director at Eastern Kentucky University, where he oversaw compliance, media relations, marketing, ticketing, academic services, fundraising, and human resources for the Division I program. He also served as the administrator for football, men’s basketball, baseball, and women’s soccer.
His experience includes five years as senior associate athletic director at Presbyterian College, a Division I program in South Carolina, where he directed internal administration, including budget management, human resources, facility management, and game operations. In that role, he led major facility upgrades for the college’s football stadium and baseball complex, and a $300K expansion of the sports medicine center. Downer also served as sport administrator for baseball, men’s soccer, men’s golf, and cross country.
Throughout his career, Downer has emphasized cross-departmental collaboration to support recruitment, student success, and community engagement.
"I would like to sincerely thank President Carter and Chris Clarke for their belief and confidence in my leadership,” said newly appointed Assistant Vice President for Athletics James M. Downer. “I was drawn to this incredible opportunity at Lawrence University by the institution’s unwavering commitment and vision for academic and competitive excellence and, most importantly, striving to provide an exceptional student-athlete experience. I'm extremely excited to contribute to the proud championship tradition of Viking Athletics."
Downer began his career in athletics administration in compliance and leadership roles at Nicholls State University, Oklahoma City University, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Central Oklahoma.
He holds a Master of Education in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Arts from Millsaps College, where he was a student-athlete on the baseball team.
Downer will begin his role at Lawrence on April 13, 2026.
